Dear Neighbors,

My time as Civic League President is winding to a close. I am encouraged by what I have experienced over these last two years.  This is the right time, right place, and right community to raise a family. I have learned a great deal from several of you about being a good neighbor and active member in the community.

Since it is time to turn the reins over to someone else, I want to encourage you not to take the selection of Civic League Officers lightly. Get involved in the community and actively seek out those individuals who will serve well.  We need a president, first vice president, treasurer, membership chair, etc; there are a number of vacancies this year.  To ensure that we have identified potential officers, we need members to serve on the nominating committee.  A slate of potential officers is to be presented at the October Civic League meeting.   If you are interested in helping to identify the leadership for the coming year, please call one of the Civic League Officers.

Lastly, we have some unfinished business that needs your attention.  Please plan to attend our October Civic League Meeting.  The proposed bylaws changes are posted on our web site and require a quorum of at least 20 people to conduct any business; we only had 14 people last month.

See ya ‘round the neighborhood,

This newsletter contains a paid political advertisement and is not an endorsement by the Civic League.

Some of you questioned the paid political flyer that was inserted in last month’s newsletter and is also included in this issue.  Mr. Ashe grew up in this neighborhood and knew that our newsletter had a wide circulation in a neighborhood that tended to vote in any election.  He felt that the $200.00 that we charged for distribution (His campaign paid for printing of the flyers) was well worth the cost to reach the potential voters in our neighborhood.  This ad will pay for two flags or four months electricity used in lighting our entrance.  A good investment for Mr. Ash and if his opponent would like to pay for an ad we will be glad to include it in future newsletters. 

Clera and I have been editors of the Newsletter since May of 97.  We both feel that a new editor might add a fresh perspective to reporting civic events and neighborhood news.  We have enjoyed our work on the newsletter, but feel it is time now to pass the baton to a new runner.  If you or anyone you know would like to take the reins we will provide you with any assistance you might need including a CD of past newsletters.  Just call us at 473-8258 or talk to us at the next civic league meeting. 

Home Repair Scams ..... Beware!!!!!

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reminds homeowners that home improvement con artists are out there.

These con artists show up at your door offering an array of services from repaving your driveway to roof repair, and usually demand a hefty down payment up front.  They might offer a "great deal", based on using materials left over from a previous job, but homeowners should remember that a great deal isn't always what is seems.

Before writing that check, and especially before allowing any unknown individual into your home, NARI suggests that you:

1. Get the name and address of the company that person allegedly represents.
2. Get all the details of the offer in writing and carefully review it.  Be sure you understand 
everything in the contract and that any verbal promises made are included in the contract.
3. Determine how long the company has been in business and call organizations with which the contractor is affiliated, such as NARI or other trade associations, to determine the firm's legitimacy.
4.  Ask for references and contact each one.

Remember that any legitimate company that wants your business will be more than willing to allow you the time to do your homework.  Don't fall prey to high-pressure tactics such as "this is the only chance you have" or "by tomorrow the extra materials will be gone."

Be skeptical if they:

1.  Come to your door unsolicited
2.  Use high-pressure tactics
3.  Request full payment before completing the work
4.  Give a post office box without a street address or phone number
5.  Promise to begin and complete the work more quickly and cheaply than any other 
 company
6.  Say they just finished work on a neighbor's house and have just enough material to 
repair work on yours.  They might say they can give you a better bargain if you let them do the work today since they have the supplies now.
 
 

If you bring your checkbook or cash, you can take care of your 2005 membership dues for the Civic League during the Halloween Walk.  I hope to have a little table set up at the park.  I'll issue receipts to those who wish them.

Would your company like to sponsor the hay wagon for our Christmas Caroling Hay ride event?  The cost is $200. and is fully TAX DEDUCTIBLE.  Funds from this event goes toward restoration of Ferry Plantation House.  Please contact

It is not too late to contribute towards a bench to be located at Ferry Plantation House in memory of Nellie Pafford.  Nellie for over 20 years was a familiar face at our Bayside Library and a devoted neighbor in the community.  Send your donation to: 

FOFPH "Nellie Pafford Bench" 
and mail to

Ferry Plantation House
4136 Cheswick Lane
Va. Beach 23455

The Building and Grounds committee appreciate the support you have given us in volunteering for our median cleanup. We can always use your support, suggestions and reports on neglect in the area in order to keep our wonderful neighborhood in great shape. To volunteer for the median strip cleanup, please contact: Jim Price @ 499-5115 or jdprice@cox.net. Additionally if you need further assistance with Building and Grounds issues or have questions, feel free to contact me:  Travis Little 671-7885 or  LITTLHOM@YAHOO.COM.

Wow, leaves are everywhere! It's that time of year where trees are shedding giving us the signal that cold weather cometh! As leaves pile up we request you keep the gutters and sidewalks as clear as possible. As most of you know clear bags of leaves left curbside will be picked up every Wednesday by the city. I must say the grounds in the area look great and we are proud to be a part of this well-established community. Keep up the good work! 

• A dog out and about... unleashed and unrestrained (Cats, too).
• Not picking up your pet's feces (a health code violation). 
• Curbside discards for collection prior to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays.
• Failing to call telephone 430-2450, for non-barreled trash/discards.
• Parking vehicles left wheels to the curb (ø safe driving). 
• Disturbing your neighbor's peace- 24/7/365, i.e. greater than 10 minutes, of barking animals, bouncing basketballs, subwoofer booming.
• Reckless Driving, at 45 Mph in a 25 mph Residential Zone. 
• Substantial mechanical repair of vehicles in a Resident setting. 
• Under 15 yrs and not wearing a bicycle helmet while riding.
• Bikers & walkers failing to obey all traffic signals and signs. 
• Using the street as a playground.
• 11:00 PM- a juvenile (under 18) curfew, unless accompanied by an adult, or returning from an evident employment work shift. 
• Motorcycle wheelies/spinning vehicle tires (ø safe driving).
• Parking on residential lawns with resultant soil erosion. 
• Windblown cigarette package cellophane wrappers and cigarette butts (littering). 

To sign up for median strip duty, call Jim at 499-5115 or e-mail at jdprice@Cox.net. 
 

If you have lost a domestic rabbit, please call Mr. Canada at 499-1367.  He is taking good care of it, but would like to return it to its proper owner.

While many of us have or are planning changes and updating our homes some of the reasons for the changes are actually funny when looking back. 

p.s. If you would like to help decorate the park please come at about 12:30 to the park.